Bichon Frise Club of America Charitable Trust

12/11/2024

OUR SEE’S CANDIES FUNDRAISER ENDS DECEMBER 3. PLEASE HELP US REACH OUR GOAL

BFCACT is partnering with See's Candies again this year to raise funds for abandoned and surrendered Bichons in our care. If you order their popular candy for family, colleagues, friends, service providers and business partners through us, the profits will go to BFCACT and you will be giving two gifts - delicious candy for those on your shopping list and the gift of health and a second chance in life to the most-needy Bichons. With your help, we hope to raise $2,000 from this event, all of which will help us defray medical expenses for our rescues.

To order, just use this link.
https://www.yumraising.com/secure/bichonfco_bichon_frise_club_of_america_charit82/SusPay2091/candy

You will be taken to our See’s storefront where you can select and pay for the items of your choice. They will be mailed directly to you. This promotion closes on December 3 so please make your selections early. Standard delivery charges apply. Orders over $70 will be shipped free of charge.

10/11/2024

LEWIS AND CLARK HAVE BEEN ADOPTED!

Lewis and Clark, 12-year-old brothers, came into rescue suddenly. Their elderly owner was taken into assisted living, leaving the boys no place to go. We issued an urgent appeal for help and a beyond-remarkable lady in Ohio volunteered to travel hundreds of miles to pick them up and bring them into her home. She cared for them for months, seeing Clark through dental surgery and giving Lewis medications for his heart murmur and seizures. She worked hard to find the perfect adopters for them but, in the end, didn’t have to go far. She has now adopted them herself and can pamper and cherish them in a home they have come to love so much. Congratulations to our sweet boys and their Mom, Dad and Bichon brother Pierre!

10/11/2024

We want to thank all those of you who offered to help sweet Gwennie. The Bichon Community is amazing and we are grateful. Another rescue nearby did pick her up yesterday afternoon, so she is safe. For those of you interested in adopting a Bichon, please monitor our adoptable dog page at https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption and complete an application to adopt at https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption-form.

COURTESY POST – GWENNIE, a 15-YEAR OLD GIRL IN MARYLAND, IS LOOKING FOR A LOVING HOME

We are assisting the Montgomery County, Maryland, Animal Services and Adoption Center find a home for this beautiful older girl. Gwennie is about 15 years of age and weighed in at 19 pounds. Her previous human companion has health problems and, wanting the best for Gwennie, asked the shelter to find her another home where she can spend her golden years. Shelter staff reports that she is a very sweet, calm girl. Gwennie is up to date on rabies, DAP, Bordetella and flea/heartworm preventative. She is spayed, microchipped and heartworm negative. Our hearts break thinking that she may have to spend her senior years in a noisy, scary shelter. We are hoping a Good Samaritan in our compassionate Bichon Community will step up to give her a loving home with all the creature comforts, fluffy blankets, and healthy food she deserves. There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than giving a senior Fluff the gift of a second chance in life.

If you are interested in adopting this special girl, please message us, send us an email at [email protected] or contact the Adoption Center directly at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/ or (240) 773-5900, where her ID number is A523137.

09/11/2024

COURTESY POST – GWENNIE, a 15-YEAR OLD GIRL IN MARYLAND, IS LOOKING FOR A LOVING HOME

We are assisting the Montgomery County, Maryland, Animal Services and Adoption Center find a home for this beautiful older girl. Gwennie is about 15 years of age and weighed in at 19 pounds. Her previous human companion has health problems and, wanting the best for Gwennie, asked the shelter to find her another home where she can spend her golden years. Shelter staff reports that she is a very sweet, calm girl. Gwennie is up to date on rabies, DAP, Bordetella and flea/heartworm preventative. She is spayed, microchipped and heartworm negative. Our hearts break thinking that she may have to spend her senior years in a noisy, scary shelter. We are hoping a Good Samaritan in our compassionate Bichon Community will step up to give her a loving home with all the creature comforts, fluffy blankets, and healthy food she deserves. There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than giving a senior Fluff the gift of a second chance in life.

If you are interested in adopting this special girl, please message us, send us an email at [email protected] or contact the Adoption Center directly at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/ or (240) 773-5900, where her ID number is A523137.

07/11/2024

LETTER FROM OUR SWEET, HAPPY UNI (NOW ODI)

Dear Friends,

Hi, my name is Uni (my Foster Mom now calls me Odi, and I like that too) and I am a very handsome 10-year-old boy. I have had a very hard month. My Dad, who I loved dearly and lived with my whole life, moved into assisted living, and all of a sudden I had no home to call my own and was living in a kennel I didn’t like very much. My Dad’s family reached out to BFCACT and their wonderful Foster Mom picked me up and drove me to her home in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania (in South Central Pennsylvania not far from Hershey and Gettysburg).

So, do you want to know more about me? Yes? I thought you would because I am one fine pupper. To begin with, I am one of the happiest boys around. In spite of my sad times, I try to bring good cheer and fun to everyone I meet. I guess you could call me the perfect lovebug. One of my favorite things is playing with my Foster Mom’s young children and her other dogs. And do you know what else? I love spending hours amusing myself and the rest of my foster family with my squeaky toys and balls. I am quite the proud boy walking on my leash and enjoy taking in all the sights, sounds, and good smells I can find. My tummy is sensitive, and my vet wants me to always eat a special diet to keep me comfortable. While I don’t want to live in a crate, if my family is going to be gone all day, I don’t mind staying in a big crate with a nice cushy bed until they get back. My previous Dad wasn’t able to help me practice the housetraining I knew before, so my new family will want to refresh my memory a bit.

My Foster Mom loves me but knows it is time for me to find my forever home. I would do well in almost any caring family where someone is around most of the time. My Foster Mom suggested maybe a retired couple whose grandchildren could visit and play gently with me would be a good fit. Do you think I can come live with you? I promise to be a very good boy! If so, please click on this link to apply to adopt me https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption-form.

03/11/2024

REMINDER - OUR FUNDRAISER WITH SEE'S CANDIES IS UNDERWAY

BFCACT is partnering with See's Candies again this year to raise funds for abandoned and surrendered Bichons in our care. If you order their candy for family, colleagues, friends, service providers and business partners through us, the profits will go to BFCACT and you will be giving two gifts - a favorite treat for those on your shopping list and the gift of health and a second chance in life for the most-needy Bichons. To order, just click here: https://www.yumraising.com/secure/bichonfco_bichon_frise_club_of_america_charit82/SusPay2091/ You will be taken to our See’s storefront where you can select and pay for the items of your choice. They will be mailed directly to you beginning on November 11. This promotion closes on December 6 so please make your selections early. Standard delivery charges apply. Orders over $70 will be shipped free of charge.

Thank you from the BFCACT Rescue Team

02/11/2024

GOOD NEWS – SOPHIE HAS BEEN ADOPTED

Our precious Sophie has been adopted! After finding herself in a busy shelter in Maryland and then being cared for by one of BFCACT’s wonderful Foster Moms in Virginia, Sophie has now found the perfect home in Pennsylvania. The adopters previously shared their home with three Bichons and wanted nothing more than another Fluff to join their two senior pups Buddy and Mandy. We know that Sophie will be cherished and adored and couldn’t be happier for her. May your new life bring you nothing but joy, adventure and love, Sweet Girl.

01/11/2024

NOVEMBER 1 UPDATE ON SWEET BLACKBERRY

Our little miracle girl is doing well. She is beginning to gain some weight (thanks to the five meals she eats every day) and is slowly becoming more alert and active. She is asking for more attention by gently nuzzling Mom’s hand. Over the weekend, her Foster Mom took a day trip to Front Royal, Virginia, to enjoy the beautiful Fall foliage with Blackberry as co-pilot. She seemed to enjoy the trip and especially the short walk along the Shenandoah River. She sadly hasn’t regained any of her hearing and still sleeps a lot. Given the severity of her illness, she will need follow-up care for her pneumonia and her recovery is expected to be slow, but thanks to your healing thoughts, prayers and generosity and the amazing care of her BFCACT Foster Mom, she has made nothing short of miraculous progress. Keep fighting Little One!

30/10/2024

UPDATE ON SWEET UNI

We wanted to update you on 10-year old Uni (also answers to Odi) now that the BFCACT Foster Mom has gotten to know him better. It turns out that he is truly one happy boy in spite of the sad times he has had recently! He is the epitome of a lovebug. He adores people and loves playing with his Foster Mom’s young children and her other dogs. And he can spend hours amusing himself and the rest of the family with his squeaky toys and balls. Uni walks well on his leash. He is not a fan of the groomer who tried to shave him down to remove his mats, so he had to be sedated this time. Hopefully once his coat grows back he will tolerate normal grooming and learn to enjoy being pampered! He would do best on a diet for sensitive stomachs. We would love to see him adopted by a retired couple whose grandchildren could enjoy playing gently with him. He is a very good boy. Uni is 16 pounds and is being fostered in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania. Can you provide him with a happy home where he would be loved, nurtured and pampered? If so, please fill out an application to adopt at https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption-form

28/10/2024

These adorable, bonded Fluffs are still available. Will you open your home and heart to give them a second chance in life? Applications to adopt may be completed at https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption-form. Thank you!

28/10/2024

STRIKE UP THE BAND! LIGHT THE LIGHTS! HERE SHE IS – MISS JULY!

Do you remember Eleanor (now Ella), who was turned into BFCACT because she was chasing, and sometimes catching, chickens on the family farm? Well, let us tell you, this little girl has risen to celebrity status and is living the good, no great, life. She is featured in The Paw Print’s 2025 Calendar as Miss July! When Ella is not giving paw autographs and receiving well wishes from her fan base, her adopter tells us she is a star around the house too. She joins her new brother Zippy in scaring away the FedEx and UPS trucks every day. Way to go pups! She is a cuddler extraordinaire and master kisser and is learning the fine art of the Bichon Blitz. And no surprise here, she loves lying in the sun next to the pool! Don’t forget the shades, Ella! Congratulations to this precious BFCACT alum and her adoring parents!

26/10/2024

OCTOBER 26 UPDATE ON OUR MIRACLE GIRL BLACKBERRY

While rescue can be an emotional rollercoaster ride with many of our dogs, our sweetest girl Blackberry brought us both the highest highs and the lowest lows this week. The good news is that we are now cautiously optimistic that she is on the road to recovery.

To recap, early in the week, we were afraid we were losing Blackberry. She wasn’t eating or taking her critical meds and became weaker and more lethargic. After she was rushed to the ER again, the vet couldn’t give us much hope. But we were not going to give up. She was given oxygen, antibiotics and fluids, dewormed in case parasites were slowing her recovery and more meds to kill her lingering fleas. Her dedicated Foster Mom stayed with her in the hospital (and tells us that when the staff opened Blackberry’s crate, she would struggle over to her and put her head on her shoulder).

Since her release, she has been slowly regaining her strength. While she still sleeps a lot, she is eating like a champ, taking four very short walks a day, follows Mom from room to room and has to sleep next to her in bed. We sincerely hope she will continue taking us “up” on this rollercoaster ride and be able to live the happy and healthy life this determined and loving little girl deserves.

It truly takes a village (or in our case, the Bichon Community) to care for special dogs like Blackberry. Without your generous donations, this progress would not have been possible. We are grateful. Thank you too for all your healing thoughts, well wishes, prayers, and support for this girl. There is no doubt they made a difference! We are also indebted to our ER/Hospital for the dedicated and compassionate veterinarians and staff (and generous rescue discount). And we can’t begin to describe the amazing care and commitment of Blackberry’s Foster Mom during her illness and recovery. Truly another BFCACT rescue angel!

25/10/2024

IT IS FINALLY HERE! OUR SEE’S CANDIES FUNDRAISER FOR BFCACT STARTS TODAY!

BFCACT is partnering with See's Candies again this year to raise funds for abandoned and surrendered Bichons in our care. If you order their candy for family, colleagues, friends, service providers and business partners through us, the profits will go to BFCACT and you will be giving two gifts - a favorite treat for those on your shopping list and the gift of health and a second chance in life for the most-needy Bichons.

To order, just click here: https://www.yumraising.com/secure/bichonfco_bichon_frise_club_of_america_charit82/SusPay2091/

You will be taken to our See’s storefront where you can select and pay for the items of your choice. They will be mailed directly to you beginning on November 11. This promotion closes on December 6 so please make your selections early. Standard delivery charges apply. Orders over $70 will be shipped free of charge.

Thank you from the BFCACT Rescue Team

24/10/2024

MEET MISS SOPHIE

Well, Sophie falls in the “color me adorable” category for sure. Her history is a bit unclear. What we do know is that a dirty and matted 10-pound, four-year old girl found herself in a Maryland shelter filled to capacity with other stray pups. But help was on the way. A BFCACT volunteer took her on the most important trip of her life, her “Freedom Ride” to an experienced Foster Mom nearby. She tells us Sophie is doing great - she is super sweet, loves her toys and balls and gets along well with the other pups in the home. Her favorite pastime is following Foster Mom around the house and making sure she is not out of sight. While she is not quite 100% in the housetraining department, she has made really good progress. Sophie has been fully vetted and spayed and is ready to be adopted. If you are able to give this girl a home where she will be shown nothing but love, adventure and kindness, please complete an application to adopt at https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption-form. She is being fostered in Vienna, Virginia, which is a suburb of Washington, DC.

22/10/2024

21/10/2024

PRAYERS ARE NEEDED FOR SWEET BLACKBERRY

Our precious girl has had a bit of a relapse and has stopped eating. She is back in the hospital on fluids, antibiotics and oxygen. We ask for your prayers and healing thoughts as she faces this new challenge. Thank you!

UPDATE ON SWEET BLACKBERRY

As promised, we want to update you on Blackberry, who is recovering from pneumonia likely caused by an upper respiratory infection she had picked up in the shelter. Her Foster Mom tells us she is doing well. Her breathing is slowly improving, and she has started eating a little, although not as much as the Foster Mom would like. They take short walks in the sun every day. She still sleeps a lot but is starting to get up occasionally to look for Mom who, by the way, thinks Blackberry is “the sweetest”.

She lost at least two pounds during her illness. And the many medical treatments she received in the hospital did serious damage to her beautiful fur, but until she recovers, a spa day for her is out of the question.

Blackberry may be facing yet one more challenge - she may be deaf. She doesn’t respond to loud clapping or other noises around her. We have no way of knowing how long she has had this problem and will ask the vet about it during the follow-up visit this week. She will have additional chest x-rays at that time to determine if her lungs are improving.

Thank you to all those who sent our girl their kind wishes for a speedy recovery and donated to BFCACT for her medical expenses. We are deeply grateful. For those who would like to help, please go to https://www.bichonrescue.org/donate.

18/10/2024

BLACKBERRY’S STORY

Life has been very hard for little Blackberry, a six-year-old, unspayed Bichon mix. Somehow, she ended up as a dirty, cold, scared stray girl wandering outside in the chilly Fall air of a Maryland suburb. She then found herself in an overcrowded, noisy shelter waiting for her family to claim her. Sadly, they never came. Then none of the families looking for a canine companion to adopt took her home either. She was very lonely and when the nice shelter staff came to visit, she jumped into their arms and loved on them, wagging her tail as hard as she could. When BFCACT learned about her plight we immediately stepped up for her, but before our transport could arrive, shelter staff told us she had signs of an upper respiratory virus. Not to be deterred from saving this poor girl, BFCACT pulled her anyway and placed her with an amazing new Foster Mom. But one more challenge faced little Blackberry. Within a day in foster care, she became feverish, lethargic and unable to eat. At BFCACT’s request, the worried Foster Mom rushed her to the ER, where she was diagnosed with pneumonia and put on fluids, cough meds, a sedative, and admitted to the hospital. The good news is that she is responding well to the treatment and has returned “home” to the Foster Mom. BFCACT volunteers had been holding their collective breath and can finally exhale as her condition improves.

And this is where you come in. As you know, emergency care and overnight stays in animal hospitals are extremely expensive. Blackberry’s initial bill is nearly $4,000 with rescue discount and will grow with necessary follow-up tests and visits. We are hoping that our friends and supporters will help us defray at least part of this cost. Donations are being gratefully accepted at https://www.bichonrescue.org/donate. We promise to keep you all informed of her progress as she starts the second chapter of her life. Thank you!

13/10/2024

UPDATE: Thank you, thank you, thank you to those of you in the DC area (and elsewhere) who answered our urgent call for fosters. We are delighted (and grateful) that someone in a nearby community has stepped up. BUT please don’t let that stop you from completing a foster application at https://www.bichonrescue.org/volunteer. Increasing numbers of Bichons and Bichon mixes are (sadly) needing rescue in the DC area and we will require other fosters on standby to care for them as they are released to us in the coming cold winter months. The Bichon Community rocks!

FOSTERS URGENTLY NEEDED IN THE DC METROPOLITAN AREA (DC, N. VA, AND MD)

Many of our surrounding shelters are full and we need your help with Bichons and Bichon mixes urgently requiring foster care. If you can commit to fostering an abandoned or surrendered dog, please message us, e-mail us at [email protected] or complete an application to foster at https://www.bichonrescue.org/volunteer. Thank you so much!